Laborer Seasonal

the city of madison is hiring for multiple entry-level, manual work positions for our 2026 spring, summer, and fall seasons! Seasonal employment can be a step towards a permanent career with the city! The selected candidates will work for one of the city's public works agencies, including parking, parks, streets, traffic engineering, and the water utility. It is anticipated that the following number of seasonal laborers will be hired by division: parking utility (4);

parks (38); streets (17); traffic engineering (5); and water utility (5). For a period of six months following completion of seasonal employment, seasonal employees retain the ability to apply for permanent positions that include benefits and pension (wisconsin retirement system) that are otherwise limited to city employees.

applications will be accepted until the closing date. However, the selection process will begin prior to the closing date based on the needs of city agencies.

applicants will be asked at the time of application to rank their preferred position based on the descriptions below. Following initial screening, applicants will be referred to the appropriate agency for interview based on the indicated preferences. We will try to accommodate everyone's first choice, but this is not guaranteed. Once hired, applicants will only work in that specific agency.

following the initial round of hiring, applicants who are not selected will remain active on the eligible list and may be referred to any agency as vacancies occur.

these positions are seasonal, but months of work may vary by agency. Hours will also vary by agency and no work hours are guaranteed. Individual descriptions are below.

the hourly wage consists of a base wage of $18.57 per hour plus a $2.50 per hour bonus.

to learn more about seasonal opportunities, watch this video.

black, indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

employees assist in parking meter installations; general light maintenance duties for parking garages, lots, and street metered stalls, including painting ramp islands; removing and reinstalling stall lines on street; and mowing, garage, and lot clean up.

anticipated hours: monday-friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

duration: through august/september

employees maintain park shelters by performing janitorial duties; clean and stock supplies; remove garbage; dig, lift, shovel, and carry and haul heavy equipment and tools to perform duties; perform a variety of landscape and building maintenance tasks; mow grass; string trim; rake; paint; perform tree maintenance; and perform other related duties in and around city parks. General parks work opportunities also may include forest hill cemetery, state street/mall concourse, or construction for playground maintenance.

anticipated hours of work will vary in each section of the parks division and may depend on the time of year. Generally, start times are early morning (5:00 am - 7:00 am). Work is performed 7 days a week, including holidays. Employees may be scheduled and expected to work various weekends and holidays. In the event of inclement weather, no work may be available.

Work hours are not guaranteed. Part-time hours may be available.

duration: approximately april to october

if you are specifically interested in working as a golf course maintenance seasonal, please apply to the separate golf posting.

employees perform a variety of tasks such as collect, lift and load various solid waste materials (e.g., refuse, bulk, brush, recyclables, and leaves); perform routine asphalt and concrete patching; perform snow and ice removal work using hand tools and snow removal vehicles and equipment; routine building maintenance; and related duties as assigned.

anticipated hours: monday-friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, but hours may vary.

duration: beginning of april through the end of november.

possible overtime opportunities available nights and weekends.

employees perform a variety of tasks such as painting traffic islands, speed bumps, arrows, bike stencils, and crosswalks; assist with the installation and/or maintenance of signs, semi-permanent road markings, traffic signals, and street lighting; miscellaneous maintenance and material preparation activities in the shop; and perform other duties as assigned. Work may include operating trucks with trailers, digging holes, pouring concrete, and operation of small motorized equipment.

In the event of…